Here’s a simple and delicious way to make shawarma at home.

This is a Basic Chicken Shawarma Recipe (You can adapt it for beef too)

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs preferred)
  • 3 table spoon plain yogurt
  • 3 table spoon olive oil
  • 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 table spoon ground cumin
  • 1 table spoon ground paprika
  • 1 table spoon ground turmeric (optional for color)
  • ½ half table spoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 table spoon ground coriander (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

    • For the Garlic Sauce (Toum-style):

  • 4 garlic cloves
  • ½ half table spoon of salt
  • 1 egg white or 1 table spoon mayo (for easier emulsifying)
  • ¾ half cup neutral oil (sunflower, vegetable)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

    • For the Wrap:

  • Pita bread or flatbread
  • cucumbers
  • Tomatoes
  • Pickles (especially turnip or cucumber)
  • Lettuce or shredded cabbage
  • Onions (optional, thinly sliced)
  • Chili sauce or tahini (optional)

    • How to make

    1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, oil, vinegar, spices, garlic, salt, and pepper. add chicken, coat well, and marinate at least 2 hours (preferably overnight).

    2.Cook the Chicken:

    Option 1: Oven/Roast

  • Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
  • Lay chicken on a baking tray, roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  • Optional: Broil for 2-3 mins at the end for crispy edges.

    • Option 2: Stovetop

  • Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Cook chicken for about 5-6 mins per side, until nicely charred and cooked through.

    • Option 3: Grill

  • Skewer and grill the chicken for smokier flavor.
  • Once cooked, slice thinly.

    • 3. Make the Garlic Sauce:Blend garlic and salt until smooth, add egg white or mayo. slowly drizzle in oil while blending until thickened like mayo, add lemon juice at the end. Adjust to taste.

    4. Assemble the Shawarma Wrap: Warm the pita or flatbread, spread garlic sauce or tahini. add chicken slices, top with pickles, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, etc, roll it up like a wrap or serve open-style.

    Tips

  • Want a healthier version? Grill or bake the chicken with less oil.
  • Want it spicy? Add harissa or chili paste to the wrap.
  • Vegetarian version? Use grilled mushrooms, falafel, or roasted cauliflower.